Explainer: Updated COVID-19 Booster Vaccines
With the start of flu and virus season this fall, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized an updated COVID-19 booster vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna that became available to the public last week. The COVID-19 virus constantly mutates, so updated boosters target newer strains of the virus and could prevent serious illness, including long-term COVID-19 (where symptoms can drag on for months). Pfizer and Moderna have released initial trial data that indicates the booster shot is effective against EG.5 and BA.2.86 versions of the COVID-19 virus.
The CDC recommends anyone over the age of 65 with chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic lung or heart disease, and those who may be immune-compromised get the booster shot if it has been more than two months since their last one.
The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective; more than 672 million vaccine doses have been given out from December 14, 2020, through March 1, 2023, after being evaluated in several clinical trials and passing the FDA’s rigorous standards. Most Americans can get COVID-19 vaccines for free through their insurance. Those without insurance or health plans that cover the vaccine can look into the Bridge Access Program.
The CDC and health experts strongly recommend getting the updated booster and vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the flu. It is also safe to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccine together.
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References and Further Reading:
Annika Kim Constantino. CNBC. CDC recommends updated Covid vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and up, allowing shots to start within days. 12 September 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccine for Fall/Winter Virus Season. 12 September 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) | CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bridge Access Program.
The Guardian. The new Covid-19 booster shot in the US: what you need to know. 16 September 2023.
